Designer's Oasis

I did not become an interior designer to sit around and crunch numbers all day..... but numbers tell a story! As interior designers, we can get caught up in the design work and avoid the numbers and need to track a few key metrics to really understand our business. In this episode, I share the 2 key metrics that I use in my business and why they are the most important to track. Here's a glance at this episode: [9:15] I jump into why it's important to track certain numbers and why this information is critical! [11:12] I share all about conversion rates and what your typical client journey looks like. I talk all about each step of the journey and how to track conversions at each step along the way. [15:25] I discuss how looking at conversion rates can help you pinpoint what still needs work and where potential clients may fall through the cracks. This helps determine what changes to focus on. [19:09] I talk about Average Project Profitability (APP) and why this is the second key metric I believe interior designers should be tracking. [25:20] I dive into how knowing your APP can help you determine which types of projects are the most profitable for you, which projects you may want to focus on more, and what needs improvement to increase profitability. Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Highpoint Meet-Up Form
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/58

Are you ready to really grow your business but you're still running it like you did on day one? Today's episode is all about creating the type of business you have always wanted. It's time to level up, create systems, and save you time and money all while forming a pipeline of client work that truly lights you up each day. Here's a glance at the episode: [11:50] I jump into when you know it's time to stop being "scrappy" in your business but rather a time to start truly investing in your business. You never outgrow the need to invest in your business or yourself. [15:23] I share the signs to look for to let you know that it may be time to invest in your business. [19:15] I discuss what I'm NOT talking about in terms of investing in your business without strategy. I share how to determine what is and is not a good investment in your business. [22:06] I share what happens when you're ready to start leveling up and investing. I talk about the changes in your business and mindset when this happens. [25:00] I wrap up with a few questions for you to think about to help you know what to invest in first or next. Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint
• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers
• FREE Masterclass: 6 Park Framework for A Thriving Interior Design Business
• Highpoint Meet-Up Form
• Dear Kate: Submit your questions for the show!

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint WANT MORE? 🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles ⬇️ Free Resources FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram 📍 Pinterest 📺 YouTube ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/57

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint Your first hire will always be the hardest. It's kind of like having a baby.

Imagine this - You just returned from a much-deserved 2-week holiday with your favorite person or people and while you were away one(or perhaps all) of these things happened…

• You have a new client consultation on the calendar with a fully-vetted client.

• You've received the as-built drawings and site photos from a brand-new project you are kicking off.

• Drawings for a new kitchen renovation are nearly complete and fully detailed for next week's presentation.

• The ordering is complete for a project you recently presented to a client

• A light fixture arrived at the warehouse damaged, but a replacement is already en route.

Sounds pretty good yeah? I'm here to tell you that this level of support, and growth is totally doable. I'll share the ins and outs of hiring in your business in today's episode.

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. How do you even get started in making your first hire?

2. How do you know if you're ready to hire in your business?

3. How does hiring actually increase the bottom line of your business?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[06:50] I jump into how hiring can help your bottom line and the various ways it can greatly benefit your business.

[14:50] How do you know who to hire first? I share how to figure out what your needs are and what type of hire you need to make first!

[18:30] I walk you through the types of employees vs contractors and why you may want to hire each type, the pros and cons, and all of your options.

[22:15]] My challenge to you this week: Write your job description of the role you want to hire first or next. Define the skill sets they need to have, describe the environment, and what kind of experience they need to possess.

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

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📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/9

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Today I'm chatting with Ericka Saurit of Saurit Creative, a STRATEGIC BRAND MARKETING + STORYTELLING for interior designers and home brands.

Ericka believes that HOW you tell your story matters. It needs to be clear, concise, and consitent. She's on a mission to help interior designers clarify their value and get that message out.

Ericka shares the 3 pillars that you have to understand and get right - in order to shift from being a business to a brand.

Here's a glance at the episode:

[5:37] Ericka shares her backstory and how she got into teaching storytelling for interior designers and the home industry.

[13:45] We discuss the importance of brand storytelling and how it shows up across your work from your website and social media all the way into your proposals, emails, and correspondence with your clients.

[18:10] Ericka shares what most interior designers underestimate or leave out when storytelling and how we have to think about if we are a business or a brand. She discusses how to create a brand where clients want to choose you.

[24:00] We discuss the need for consistency across your brand storytelling and how important it is in what clients and potential clients remember us for.

[29:10] Ericka shares with us the 3 E's of taking a business strategy and creating a brand.

[36:00] We discuss the importance of taking time to craft your storytelling without rushing through the process. There is so much more to creating a brand than just getting a really great logo and website up.

[44:26] I ask Ericka to share what shifts an interior designer will feel when you really nail down your brand in terms of your business strategy and creating content.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• Saurit Creative

• Follow Ericka on IG

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram

📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/56

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint Be willing to own your experience and the value that you bring to your clients and projects. If you feel you're worth what you're charging, so will your clients!

Want to raise your design rates? Your costs have increased and it's time you raise your rates to match this. It's tempting to put our emotions into these decisions but today is all about sharing how to make this a little easier!

In this episode, we discuss things like…

1. How to raise your rates and fees with ease.

2. How to deliver the message that your rates will be changing.

3. How to feel you're worth what you're charging so your clients do as well.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[05:13] I share about how you could gradually increase existing clients as you increase your rates to newer clients coming in. Remember: not all clients have to be at the same rate.

[08:35] Don't be afraid to lose some clients. I share how raising your rates may lead to some loss of clients but this makes room for new clients.

[09:45] I share how you can explain your rate increase to clients and discussion points you may want to have.

[12:00] I share about using a fee ladder structure and how you can share this with your clients as well as timelines to share with clients.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• BLOG - How to stop doubting your design fees

• BLOG - Raising your Rates for Interior Design Clients

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

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📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/26

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint In order to know your profitability at the end of a project, it's helpful to see what you estimated in the first place. Just like a budget for money, we need to budget our time.

Today's topic is one of the most asked questions that I get about building your interior design business and that's how to price your projects and come up with your service fees and feel more confident in your proposals when you send them out.

In this episode, we answer questions like…

1. How do you decide what type of pricing strategy (or a few of them) work best for your business?

2. Do you need to base fees on square footage?

3. How do you estimate your time?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[05:22] Do you need to track your time? Is this important regardless of your fee and pricing method?

[06:37] I share what 2 factors your fees should be based on no matter what the project scope entails. How to continue to price projects well even as you and your team become more efficient at project management.

[07:45] I share a few other methods on how to charge that may play a factor in how you charge for a project. I share how charging by the square footage or overall project cost is used by some interior designers (personally, this is not what I use and I share why!)

[11:50] I discuss how to charge for your projects based on time and the value that you bring to the project.

[16:45] I jump into the 3 types of pricing - hourly, flat fee, and hybrid. I share the pros and cons of each type and how we use them in our business.

[28:50] I share my challenge to you for the week!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Freebie - Design Process Asana Template

• Harvest for timekeeping (Affiliate)

• Blog Post - How to Use Pricing Options in your Design Proposals

• Blog Post - How to Easily Track Time for Interior Design Projects

• Shop - Interior Design Client Agreement

• Shop - Interior Design Client Proposal

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram

📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

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EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/7

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

"You don't have to get it right. You just have to get it going." – Mike Litman

In this episode I share:

• A little about me

• Share some of the early struggles I experienced

• But also how I was able to overcome them and turn my little baby designer business into one that thrived and supported me and my family

• 3 core truths I believe can help you grow in business and accomplish your biggest dreams

Here's a Glance at this Episode:

[1:40] Why podcasting? I share how if you're anything like me, you listen on the go, fitting in during kids' practices/lessons/pickups or while doing laundry, cleaning the house or a million other things. You're a busy guy or gal!

[3:20] A little background on me. I'm just a regular old girl! I share my background while living in Austin. I share how I was running out of time to decide what I wanted to major in. Then I learned that there was an "Intro to Interior Design'' summer course at my local community college. I instantly knew that would be my path. I share my early life with my "weekend designer" single mom and how we moved a lot - I mean - a lot 18x's in 18 years.

[6:00} I share about my internship with a high - end designer in Austin. We even did a $1M Boat Dock and how I then found my way to Denver working for OZ Architecture. It was a dream. Great team, Energy, buzz, Imagine scenes from The Intern - set designed by Nancy Myers.

[7:20] I had my first baby and returned to work - severely sleep deprived! - and people started to notice. I thought I was going to get fired. At this point my husband suggested maybe I should go to work for myself - I didn't see that potential in myself. But he did.

[8:30] I did it! I went to work for myself. I share what I didn't have going for me and then what I DID have going for me! Where did I start? What problems did I encounter? How and why did it "click"?

[10:00] My business was growing but I was getting burnt out! The running a business part of the design business along with the client work was exhausting. So I had to figure out what to do to "fix" this. I needed to charge more and I knew I provided great service.

[12:15} I will tell you what I did (not all at once) but I will share the top 3 things that I did to transform my business. Spoiler: I share much of what I learned inside my Designer's Oasis Membership.

[17:42] This is what I want you to know. These are 3 very simple truths I will stand behind until the day that I die. If you can get behind these ideas too, the sky's the limit for you.

[18:00] Core Truth #1 - You don't need to have it all figured out. You will never have all your ducks in a row, so you just need to get going!

[20:15] Core Truth #2 : There is No one-size fits all for running your design business. Design the business that works within what YOU want. That may be full-home design, specific room design, designer for a day, or agency work - it's up to you!

[22:00] Core Truth #3 - Everyone (including you) has a unique set of skills, background, expertise that adds a unique twist to your design POV. It's up to you to uncover this and tell that story. Listen in as I share examples of members inside the Designer's Oasis Membership and their unique backgrounds. What is your story?

[24:48] Recap of the core truths

1. You don't need to have it all figured out to get started

2. There is no one-size fits all approach to running your business

3. Your story matters and helps shape your POV as a designer.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Designer's Oasis

• @designersoasis

• Luanne Nigara Podcast Episode

• Book: Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram

📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/1

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Is popular advice crushing your interior design business? Do you sometimes find that the advice you hear doesn't seem to fit your business?

Today's episode is all about some popular advice that may be crushing your interior design business. I'm putting my stake in the ground on what I feel about some popular advice for interior designers and where I stand on these topics.

Here's a glance at the episode:

[2:50] I jump in with the notion that you have to have just one ideal client avatar and why I believe you often need variations of this avatar for each service that you provide.

[6:42] I share why flat fee is not always the best way to charge for your projects and why I don't believe there is ONE best way but rather how I believe in the nuances of the business and having the ability to charge based on the type of project.

[13:03] I discuss how business is cyclical and even when you have achieved success, you will still face challenges. There is no "easy" in business.

[16:50] I share how success looks differently for each of us and how to keep the big picture in focus.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers

• Episode 7 - 3 Ways to Price your Projects

• Episode 12 - How to Make More Money with Time Tracking (Part I - Why & How to Track your Time)

• Episode 13 - How to Increase Project Profitability with Time Tracking (Part II - How to Audit your Project's Time & Increase Your Profitability)

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram

📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/55

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Energy begets energy. Money is energy. If we know that energy begets energy, what happens in your business when you sit down and you spend the time to commit some energy towards revenue-generating activities and lead-generating activities?

In today's episode, we are talking about revenue-generating activities and what that means, how and when to do these activities, and how they keep your business thriving! This episode was inspired by a listener question that we received from Julia,

"Hi Kate, I've followed your advice and started batching my days so that I have more focus and not drawn in 100 different directions at once. I've set aside Mondays as my Marketing & Money Mondays. The problem is, I don't always know what to do with this dedicated time. Can you provide some specific examples of revenue-generating activities that I can be focusing on during this time? Thanks so much. I appreciate everything."

Here's a glance at the episode:

[5:00] We dive into a list of revenue-generating activities and get started with following up with leads.

[8:25] I share about putting together proposals and my methods for getting these done in time efficient manner.

[10:10] Invoicing clients can occasionally drop by the wayside when you're deep into projects and a one-off invoice or an invoice outside of the regular schedule pops up so keeping these front of mind is necessary.

[11:30] I discuss how I make time to reach out and cultivate strategic partnerships on a regular basis.

[14:40] I share how utilizing Facebook groups can help build your clientele and the right methods for trying to both share helpful information and build relationships while also promoting your services.

[18:00] Sometimes the key is in the follow-up and continuing to follow up with past clients. I share how this has worked for my interior design business.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• Ask Kate a question!

• FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram

📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/54

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

Want to have better proposals? Start with delivering better consultations. Consultations are the first step in working with your client and the better experience they have, the more likely they will want to work with you

Here's a glance at the episode:

[6:36} I discuss how to effectively set expectations for your clients from the beginning - even before the consultation begins.

[9:08] I share how I prepare for a consultation and what I typically do in terms of paperwork, research, and getting to know the potential client(s).

[15:26] I share with you some of the little nuances that I have picked up along the way that help you to make a great first impression.

[23:41] I go through how I get more information about the lifestyle of the client and what they are looking to feel in their home and how they entertain to get a full picture.

[27:15} I discuss how I treat the consults as a "mini-design" session to add value for my client where I share a few design solutions to allow them to see the possibilities, however big or small. I also use this time to explore the different surfaces and revisit the budget to present a solid proposal.

[38:30] I share how I wrap up the session and remind the client of their options moving forward.

Mentioned in this episode:

• JOIN: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint

• Episode #5- How to Create a Successful Client Welcome Packet

• My favorite tape measure

🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer's Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint

WANT MORE?

🛒 Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles

⬇️ Free Resources

FOLLOW ALONG

🤳Instagram

📍 Pinterest

📺 YouTube

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***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts***

FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis

EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/53